Symptoms
• Washing machine stops mid-cycle and displays E11 error code
• Water does not fill the drum at the start of the wash cycle
• Water fills very slowly or incompletely
• E11 code appears during the initial fill phase but not during rinse cycles
• Machine beeps and halts operation when error is detected
• Display screen shows E11 with a water droplet or fill icon
Possible Causes
• Kinked, pinched, or obstructed inlet hoses on the back of the machine
• Water supply shutoff valves (under sink or wall) are partially or fully closed
• Inlet hose screens are clogged with sediment or mineral deposits from tap water
• Faulty water inlet valve preventing proper water flow
• Low household water pressure below 20 psi required for proper operation
• Incorrect inlet hose connection to hot/cold water ports
• Cold water inlet valve malfunction on machines with separate hot/cold inlets
• Defective water level pressure switch or sensor
• Internal wiring issue in the fill circuit
Safety Checks You Can Do
• Verify both water supply shutoff valves behind the washing machine are fully open by turning them counterclockwise
• Inspect the inlet hoses on the back of the machine for visible kinks, pinches, or damage; straighten any bent sections
• Disconnect the inlet hoses and visually inspect the screens at both connection points for sediment or debris; rinse screens under tap water if needed
• Check that inlet hoses are properly connected to the correct hot (red) and cold (blue) water ports on the machine and wall
• Test your home's water pressure by attaching a pressure gauge to an outdoor faucet; pressure should read between 20-116 psi for normal operation
• Run a test cycle with just the cold water inlet connected to isolate whether the issue is specific to one water line
• Verify your home's circuit breaker for the washing machine is in the ON position and has not tripped
• Allow the machine to sit unpowered for 5 minutes, then power it back on to reset the sensor
• If error persists after these checks, the water inlet valve or pressure sensor may require professional service from an authorized Bosch technician
Safety First
Always disconnect the appliance from power before performing any checks. If you are unsure about any step, please contact a qualified technician.